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Cold nights and warm drinks. That’s what comes to mind when we think of Finland. But what about Finnish dating culture? Is it as chilly as the temperatures outside? Or is there a spark of fire that burns underneath?
The answer, of course, is both. In order to succeed in the dating game in Finland, you’ll need to learn how to navigate both the coldness and the fire.
Read on for our tips on how to do just that.
The Approach: Be Confident and Straightforward.
Finnish men and women are not known for being flirtatious. If you want to catch the eye of a Finnish guy or gal, it’s best to be straightforward and confident.
No need for cheesy pick-up lines here! Just walk up to your crush and introduce yourself. They’ll appreciate your directness and confidence.
The Location: Go Outside!
On those long, cold winter nights, Finns love to head outside for a bit of fresh air. So why not do the same?
Suggest meeting for a coffee or a walk in one of Helsinki’s many parks.
If you want to really impress your date, suggest going for a swim, even if it’s freezing cold outside! Finns are tough and they love a good challenge.
They’ll respect you for being tough too.
The Outcome: Don’t Expect Too Much Too Soon.
Finnish dating culture is all about taking things slow. Don’t expect your date to buy you an expensive dinner or give you roses on the first date.
In fact, don’t expect anything at all. Just relax, be yourself, and see where things go. If it works out, great! If not, no worries – there are plenty of other fish in the sea (or snow).
Finnish Dating Culture: A Brief Foreigner’s Guide to Dating in Finland!
As a foreigner, dating in Finland can be a bit of a culture shock.
From the outside looking in, it might seem like Finnish men and women are relatively shy and reticent.
However, once you get to know them and break through that initial reserve, you’ll find that Finns are friendly, funny, and open to new experiences.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when dating in Finland.
1. Don’t be afraid to make the first move.
In Finland, it’s not uncommon for the woman to make the first move when pursuing a man.
So if you’re interested in someone, don’t be afraid to let them know!
Finnish men and women are also quite comfortable with physical contact, so even if you’re just meeting someone for the first time, it’s not unusual to give them a hug or peck on the cheek.
2. Be prepared to do some legwork.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as “Finnish Tinder.” While there are a few dating apps available, they aren’t nearly as popular as they are in other countries.
This means that you’ll likely have to put in more effort to meet people organically.
However, once you do find someone you click with, you can be sure that it will be worth the effort!
3. Don’t take things too seriously.
Finnish culture is heavily based on socializing and spending time together, but that doesn’t mean that everything has to be serious all the time.
In fact, one of the best things about dating in Finland is that there’s no pressure to “get serious” right away.
Instead, people usually just date for fun and see where things go from there. So enjoy yourself and don’t take things too seriously!
The Do’s and Don’ts of Dating in Finland.
As an outsider, dating in Finland can be confusing and a little bit daunting.
There are some do’s and don’ts that you should be aware of before jumping into the Finnish dating pool.
So, without further ado, here is a brief Do’s and Don’ts guide to help get you started!
Do: Be straightforward and honest.
Finns are very direct and they expect the same from you. If you like someone, just let them know! There’s no need to play games or beat around the bush.
Don’t: Be late.
Promptness is a virtue in Finland and showing up late is considered both rude and inconsiderate.
If you’re running late, make sure to let your date know as soon as possible. Better yet, try to arrive 10-15 minutes early so you’re not rushed and frazzled when you meet up with your date.
Do: Take the initiative.
In Finland, it is generally expected that the man will take the initiative when it comes to asking someone out on a date.
So, if you’re interested in someone, don’t be afraid to take the lead and ask them out!
Don’t: Talk about exes on the first date (or any date for that matter).
This is a major no-no in Finland (and most other places too). Your date wants to get to know YOU, not your ex. Save the stories about your ex for your friends or therapist.
How to Succeed in Finnish Dating Culture.
If you’re thinking about attempting to date in Finland, there are a few things you should know.
The dating culture in Finland is actually not that different from other western countries, but there are still a few things that are unique to this Nordic country.
Here are a few tips to help you succeed in Finnish dating culture.
1. Be yourself.
Finns are generally very honest people and they appreciate others who are also honest.
It’s important to be genuine and authentic when you’re getting to know someone new.
Don’t try to be someone that you’re not just to impress your date. Chances are, they’ll see right through it anyway.
2. Be prepared for some silence.
Finnish people tend to be relatively introverted and may not always have a lot to say, at least at first.
This doesn’t mean that they’re not interested in getting to know you, it just takes them a bit longer to open up.
So don’t take it personally if your date is quiet at first. Just give them some time and they’ll warm up eventually.
3. Expect financial equality.
In Finland, both men and women generally work and earn their own money, so it’s not uncommon for couples to split the bill when they go out on dates (or even just pay for their own meals).
This is just one aspect of the overall equality that exists between men and women in Finland.
Social expectations are such that both sexes can and do pursue their own interests without judgment from the other gender.
Conclusion.
Dating in Finland can be a bit of a culture shock for foreigners, but it’s definitely worth it!
Dating in Finland might not be exactly what you’re expecting. But with a little preparation and an open mind, you can find yourself enjoying it immensely.
Just remember to be yourself, take things at your own pace, and be respectful of your date’s personal space (Finnish people value their personal space more than most).
Other than that, have fun and enjoy getting to know someone new!
The key is to just relax and not take things too seriously; once you do that, you’ll find that Finnish men and women are some of the warmest and most friendly people you’ll ever meet.
So go ahead and give it a try! You might just find your perfect match!